The 2008 Annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival
Welcome to the Second Annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite, and Lantern
Festival (Festival) to be held on May 18, 2008. You are cordially
invited to become a pioneer of the sport in the DFW region for
this premier event. Since this is the second time such a festival
is being held in DFW, most teams are novices at this growing sport.
You will find the sport challenging and rewarding. Have fun!
Dragon Boating is one of the hottest growing water sports. Such
events are already held with great success in Canada, northeast
and western United States. Established events of Dragon Boating
alone are currently attracting approximately 50,000 attendees.
We are very proud and honored to be designated the DFW Chapter
of the Texas Dragon Boat Association. The Texas Dragon Boat Association
is assisting us in the planning of the event and will be on hand
to coach.
By learning the sport, you will not only be launching a hot sport
that has never been held in the region but you will also be participating
in a 2000-year old tradition and experiencing Asian culture. You
are making a difference by enhancing the international spirit
of DFW. This is a part of the regional goal - to develop multi-cultural
attractions and excitement to our area.
Dragon Boat Teams:
Each dragon boat holds 20 paddlers, one drummer, and a steersperson.
A typical team consists of approximately 24 members for the crewmember
roles. The dragon boats will be steered by a Steersperson from
the Texas Dragon Boat Association. Each dragon boat measures approximately
40 feet in length and 4 feet in width and weighs approximately
500 pounds. Dragon boating equipment, such as the boats, paddles,
and lifejackets are supplied by the Texas Dragon Boat Association.
Participants wear comfortable, athletic clothes and shoes. All
race equipment is provided for the practice session and race.
The course will be 250 m.
There will be a training and practice session the day before
the race. Team practice times are assigned once the completed
Team Registration Form and Waivers are received by the Festival
Committee. For more information, click
on the registration page.
Here are a couple of links that give the basics of the sport.
http://www.calgarydragonboat.ca/html/dragonboat_basics.html
http://www.dragon-boats.com/dbnet/Dragon_boat_training_recommendations.htm
If you like working as a team, you would enjoy the 250 m sprint.
You must know how to swim.
You will need to sign a waiver provided on the registration page
Please note that this is a water sport and participants could
get wet. All participants must wear an approved life jacket supplied
by the Festival while participating in the Boat Race.
Participants Under 18:
Participants under 18 years of age must be approved by the Festival
and be able to properly fit and wear the Festival approved life
jacket while participating in the Boat Race. Minimum age to participate
is 11 years at the date of the event. A parent or guardian must
sign the Waiver for participants under 18, found on the registration
page.
Here are a couple of links that give the basics of the sport.
http://www.calgarydragonboat.ca/html/dragonboat_basics.html
http://www.dragon-boats.com/dbnet/Dragon_boat_training_recommendations.htm
